Come wish Smokey Bear a happy 75th birthday. Our special Smokey Bear birthday party will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on August 10, 2019 at Wingfield Park in Ruidoso. Have your picture taken with the birthday bear himself, enjoy cupcakes, games, a raffle, and refreshments.

Sponsored by Lincoln National Forest and Ruidoso Parks and Recreation.

Cupcakes and refreshments will be served. There will be an archery shoot, face painting, and the Smokey Bear cold air balloon. You can take a turn trying to sink Forest Service staff at the dunk tank or try your hand at using the crosscut saw. Of course, Smokey Bear will be around to snap photos with and give hugs.

Since 1944, Smokey Bear has protected America’s forest from unwanted, human-caused fires. New Mexico and the Lincoln National Forest play a unique role in the Smokey Bear campaign. In 1950 a small bear cub was found in a charred tree during a wildfire in the Capitan Mountains. News spread quickly about the little bear, and he became the living symbol of Smokey Bear.

Visit SmokeyBear.com to learn more about wildfire prevention and remember: Only you can prevent wildfires.